If you’re planning car shipping, timing matters just as much as choosing the right carrier. Rates, delivery times, and overall availability shift throughout the year depending on weather conditions, demand, and major travel patterns.

Whether you’re moving from Los Angeles to New York, buying a vehicle in Philadelphia, relocating to Florida, sending a car home from Illinois, or arranging long-haul auto transport to Alaska, choosing the right season can save you money—and days off your delivery window.

Below, we break down the best time of year for vehicle delivery, season by season, with clear pros, cons, and recommendations.

Spring Car Shipping (March–May)

Spring is one of the most balanced seasons for car shipping. Weather improves, carriers become more active, and routes stabilize after unpredictable winter conditions.

Pros

  • Mild temperatures reduce weather delays.
  • More carriers return to the road after winter slowdowns.
  • Great for college move-outs.
  • Predictable timing for nationwide routes.

Cons

  • Relocation season begins, raising demand by late spring.
  • Sudden spring storms can still affect northern areas.

Best For

  • Standard vehicle delivery.
  • Long routes like Los Angeles → New York.
  • Customers who want fair pricing with reliable timing.
  • Students shipping cars home after the school year.

Summer Car Shipping (June–August)

Summer is the busiest season for car transport companies—and the most expensive.

Pros

  • Fastest pickup and delivery scheduling of the year.
  • Highest carrier availability nationwide.
  • Ideal for coast-to-coast routes (e.g., California ↔ Florida).
  • Great season for auto auctions, classic car purchases, and family relocations.

Cons

  • Peak demand = highest pricing.
  • Heat can slow down certain long-distance routes.
  • College move-in season (late August) spikes demand again.
  • Florida, California and other touristy states see surges in incoming/outgoing traffic.

Best For

  • Customers that need fast turnaround times.
  • Summer relocations.
  • Buyers shipping newly purchased vehicles.

Fall Car Shipping (September–November)

🏆 The Best Season for Car Shipping

Fall is widely considered the sweet spot for Auto Transport—the perfect mix of lower costs and reliable delivery timelines.

Pros

  • One of the cheapest times of the year for car shipping.
  • Mild weather with fewer storms than winter.
  • Post-summer demand dip leads to lower pricing.
  • Ideal for snowbirds heading to Florida, and other southern states.

Cons

  • Early snowfall can still affect colder areas.
  • Hurricane season may impact coastal routes.

Best For

  • Customers wanting the lowest rates.
  • Enclosed car transport before winter road salt appears.
  • Long-haul trips.
  • Flexible moves that aren’t tied to school schedules.

Fall almost always offers the “best of both worlds”—affordability, availability, and good driving conditions.

Winter Car Shipping (December–February)

Winter can be both the cheapest and the slowest season for shipping a car. If you’re flexible, it can save you a lot. If you’re not—prepare for delays.

Pros

  • Lowest demand of the entire year.
  • Some of the most affordable vehicle delivery rates.
  • Snowbirds returning north after the holidays boost route options.
  • Good for budget-conscious customers.

Cons

  • Frequent weather delays: snow, ice, road closings.
  • Holiday congestion around larger cities like New York and Chicago.
  • Northern and rural routes require special scheduling.
  • Shipping to/from Alaska becomes especially challenging.

Best For

  • Drivers who prioritize cost over timing.
  • Southbound snowbirds.
  • Flexible delivery windows.
  • High-value vehicles using enclosed car transport to avoid salt, snow, and debris.

So… What’s the Best Time of Year to Ship a Car?

After breaking down all four seasons, here’s the verdict:

🏆 Overall Winner: Fall (September–November)

Fall offers the best mix of:

  • Lower pricing.
  • Stable weather.
  • Strong carrier availability.
  • Predictable timelines.
  • Ideal coast-to-coast shipping conditions.

Get a Fast Car Shipping Quote Today

No matter when or where you’re shipping from Lepke Auto Transport makes the process easy.

We specialize in:

  • Car shipping.
  • Auto Transport.
  • Enclosed car transport.
  • Vehicle delivery.
  • Cross-country moves year-round.

Get your free car shipping quote today and secure the best rate for your move no matter the season. Already have your car shipping booked? Read our guide on how to prepare your car for cross-country shipping.